Baramulla, Dec 11: Authorities on Monday temporarily closed a commercial outlet in the Hygam area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district following accusations of fraud in the sale of geysers.
Customers have alleged that old and repaired geysers were being sold under the pretence of a major discount sale.
A team from the civil department led by In-charge Tehsildar Khoie Zeeshan Khan, SDPO Sopore Dr Raies Ahmad, SHO Tarzoo Zia Ul Rehman, and DO Putkha Irfan Ahmad, visited the outlet and sealed it temporarily based on the claims of fraudulent sales.
Customers had initially flocked to the outlet in response to a mega sale announcement, advertising over a 50 percent discount on geysers. However, on the first day of the sale, grievances emerged, with customers alleging deceptive practices.
On Monday, the protesting customers gathered outside the outlet and blocked the highway. They claimed they were cheated.
Several customers claimed to have been sold second-hand items, despite the outlet owner’s promise of a major sale.
Abdul Rashid, a customer from Sopore voiced concern over the lack of immediate action by authorities against the alleged fraudulent seller. “They played with our emotions and wasted our time,” he said.
Mohammad Shafi, another customer, who travelled from Budgam, expressed anger at taking a day off to purchase a geyser “only to receive a repaired and unusable product”.
Protesters urged Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar to intervene and take strict action against “those playing with the emotions of the innocent”.
Outraged and demanding refunds, they sought harsh actions against the alleged fraudster.
In-charge Tehsildar Khoie Zeeshan Khan assured a temporary sealing of the unit and said a thorough investigation has been initiated. He said stringent verification procedures will be ensured to prevent similar frauds.
SDPO Sopore Dr Raies Ahmad said a comprehensive inquiry will follow, including a review of business guidelines, with appropriate actions against the outlet owners if found guilty.
The unit owner, however, refuted the allegations, citing damages caused by an overwhelming number of customers. He said the transactions were legitimate, supported by proper bills with GST.
Expressing his willingness to cooperate with authorities, the owner invited those claiming to have old geysers to come forward for refunds.
